England to introduce 'Test to Release'

The UK's Department for Transport has announced that a 'Test to Release' for international travel scheme will be launched in England from 15 December 2020 to shorten the 10 day quarantine period for people travelling from countries not on the travel corridor list to five days if they return a negative COVID-19 test.

Travellers will have the option to take a private test after five days of self-isolation. If the test returns a negative result they can be released from any further quarantine. The cost of the test is expected to be between £65 and £120 and will be covered by the traveller.

Learn more about the COVID-19 testing options for travellers including pre-departure tests and which popular destinations require testing on arrival or during your stay.

Currently the 'Test to Release' scheme applies only to people arriving in England by air, sea or rail. In time the scheme may be extended to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Travellers should book their tests before they travel at the same time as they complete their passenger locator forms.

A list of test providers is available on the Department of Health and Social Care website. The tests will take place either at home or at the provider's testing site after five days of self-isolation. If a negative result is reported, the period of self-isolation can end immediately.

Posted on Tuesday 24 November 2020

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England to introduce 'Test to Release'

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